March 2014 - Beth Am Synagogue

Transcription

MARCH 2014
ADAR II 5774
CONTENTS
RABBI’S
MESSAGE 1
CANTOR’S
CORNER 3
PRESIDENT’S
PERSPECTIVE 4
DEMO UPDATE 5
CONGREGATIONAL
LEARNING 6
CALENDARS 9
IFO UPDATE 12
UPCOMING
EVENTS 13
CONTRIBUTIONS 16
COMMUNITY
NEWS 19
ANNUAL FUND 22
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RABBI’S MESSAGE
One on One, Face to Face
Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg
This month we’ll be celebrating Purim which features the Megillah
as its central text. Among the many interesting things about Megillat
Esther is that, though canonized in Tanakh as sacred literature,
the book does not explicitly mention God. Any number of
commentators have suggested that God’s face is, in fact, hidden – the
word Esther being related to the phrase hester panim, the hidden
face. Purim’s jovial demeanor betrays its more serious undercurrent,
forcing us to confront a universe of chance suffering and the
insecurity of Jewish existence. The absence of God’s face is a reminder
of how much we yearn to connect, deeply, with others. In a fractured
and fickle world, the simple pleasure of another person’s attention,
of eye contact, is a disappearing art and something we humans
instinctively crave.
If the eye is, indeed, the window to the soul, the In, For and Of
Initiative’s new Relational Meetings Campaign will do much to
connect Beth Am’ers to one another. A number of Beth Am members
have been trained to conduct one-on-one, face-to-face interviews, the
goal of which is to allow our congregants to get to know one another,
our individual and collective motivations and aspirations. Over the
next several weeks, the group hopes to conduct one hundred of these
thirty-minute conversations, deepening relationships and collecting
valuable input from our membership about their goals for our
community. If you receive an invitation to such a conversation, please
respond favorably!
Assuming we are successful, the next step will be to become more
“of ” our neighborhood by extending these relational meetings
beyond our walls and into the Reservoir Hill community. Time and
Rabbi cont’d on page 5.
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Rabbi
BETH AM BOARD
Daniel Cotzin Burg
Officers
President Scott Zeger
1st Vice President Julie Gottlieb
2nd Vice President Alyson Bonavoglia
Treasurer Alan Kopolow
Secretary Elaine Weiss
Trustees through 2014
Betty Chemers
Jerry Doctrow
Emily Demsky
Ashley Pressman
Standing Committees
Adult Ed Chair Adult Ed Co-Chair Finance Chair Finance Co-Chair
House Chair Kiddush Chair Membership Chair Membership Co-Chair Religious Services Chair Social Action Chair Social Action Co-Chair Youth Education Chair Elaine Weiss
Carla Rosenthal
Alan Kopolow
Joe Wolfson
Sam Polakoff
Meg Hyman
Sharon Nathanson
Robin Katcoff
Joe Wolfson
Arthur Shulman
Jackie Donowitz
David Lunken
Ad Hoc Committees
Annual Fund Honorary Chair Gil Sandler
Annual Fund Chair Eliza Feller
Annual Fund Co-Chair Jim Jacobs
Balt. Jewish Council Rep.
Ben Rosenberg
Beth Am Connection Joanne Katz
Risa Jampel
BAYITT Co-Chair Brian Ross
BAYITT Co-Chair Erica Allen
Congregant to Congregant Joyce Keating
Eutaw Place
Ellen Kahan Zager
Jack Zager
In, For and Of
Lisa Akchin
Maggi Gaines
Marketing Chair Ellen Spokes
Operations Co-Chair
Ashley Pressman
Operations Co-Chair
David Demsky
Past President Cy Smith
Past President Jack Lapides
RHIC Rep.
Carol Shulman
Honorary Life Member
Lainy LeBow-Sachs
Honorary Life Member Efrem Potts
Office Hours
After hours office phone numbers:
Eliza Feller
Cheri Levin
David Lunken
Lynn Sassin
Neil Kahn
Cindy Paradies
Desiree Robinson
Jim Schwartz
Tuesday-Thursday: 9:00-4:00
Friday: 9:00-3:00
Phone:
Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg
443.202.0912 (cell) (emergencies only, please)
or ravdaniel@bethambaltimore.org
Tel: 410.523.2446
Fax: 410.523.1729
Extentions:
Rabbi Burg - 14
Rabbi Gludt - 15
Henry Feller, Exec. Dir. - 20
Linda Small, Coordinator - 12
Norm Weinstein, Bookkeeper - 17
Marsha Blank, Educator - 16
Gail Wohlmuth, Admin. Spec. - 21
Nakia Davis, Admin. Assist. - 11
Valerie Tracy, Marketing - 10
Cantor Ira Greenstein
443.759.7807 (home)
cantor.ira@gmail.com
E-mail:
In case of an emergency, please contact:
Henry Feller execdir@bethambaltimore.org
Executive Director 410.602.2124 (home)
Email: nakia@bethambaltimore.org
Web site: www.bethambaltimore.org
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Rabbi Kelley Gludt, Director of
Congregational Learning
520.248.9541 (cell)
rabbikelley@bethambaltimore.org
Scott L. Zeger, Board President
410.868.7761
scott.zeger@gmail.com
CANTOR’S CORNER:
Pausing at the Conclusion
Cantor Ira Greenstein
One of the primary purposes of a ritual ANY ritual - is to transform. The state of
being before the ritual should change in
some way because of its practice, such that
one can perceive a difference at the ritual’s
conclusion. I have shared thoughts about
this before. But I believe that the same
change can apply to prayer.
I have a habit that many of you share:
pausing at the conclusion of the Amida. The
Amida is fertile soil, such that if we start
with a seed given to us from the service
before and plant it in the Amida, watering
with each new blessing, we can see it sprout
at the end. For me, the transformation
I hope to achieve is a mood, a feeling of
experiencing a connection with a power
greater than me.
The Jewish prayer service is structured
so that we appreciate the gifts we receive
from God before we attempt to connect
with The Almighty. The Amida, which
comes at the conclusion of a preparatory
process of praising God (in Pesukei d’Zimra)
and reminding ourselves of our covenant
with God (in the Shema), affords us the
opportunity to communicate directly. The
Amida starts off with praise directly to God,
and then gently attempts to bring us to
a complete connection by the end of the
Kedusha, when (at Beth Am) we progress
to silent prayer … on behalf of the kehilla
(community) collectively, then personally.
I initially engage with that power when
I take three steps forward at the start of
the Amida, say the six words that pray for
my Amida to be an open communication,
and place my feet together to form a more
unified body posture. And as I disengage
with that power at the conclusion of the
Amida by taking three steps backward,
bowing to the left / right / forward and
(as is my practice) elevating on my toes to
respect the holiness of the moment, I take
advantage of that connection for a final
thought. That is, I pause at the conclusion
to appreciate where I have arrived and to
have important (to me) visions of people
and hopes that are most meaningful to me.
Let me give some examples. I may think
of my two children and grandchildren,
seeing in my mind their respective smiles
and hoping that their lives are filled
with happiness. I may think of my late
father and bring his visage to my mind,
appreciating the demeanor and wisdom that
I hope to have inherited from him. I reserve
that moment, at the conclusion of the
Amida, for these kinds of thoughts.
It is at the end of a prayer that the content
and effect of the prayer can be best
experienced. But with the Amida, a section
that is so much about appreciating our
place in the world, the moment following
its conclusion is the opportunity to use
the “spiritual high point” to bring the very
personal world of “me” into the picture.
Cantor cont’d on page 5.
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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
B’nai Mitzvah
Scott Zeger
If you are in New York City in the near
future and want to hear amazing musical
talent in a magnificent performance space,
you can buy Broadway tickets, or, try one of
the two Shabbat morning services (9:30 and
11 am) at the reform Central Synagogue on
52nd and Lexington.
www.centralsynagogue.org
We were recently there for a Bat Mitzvah
and were wowed by the special talents of
Rabbi/Cantor Angela Warnick Buckdahl.
Born to a Jewish American father and
Buddhist Korean mother in Korea, she is
the first Asian American to be ordained as
a rabbi or cantor in North America. Her
evocative voice fills the ornate, Moorishstyle sanctuary, backed up by her guitar,
four singers, piano, and woodwinds. The
service comprises many of the traditional
prayers and music of Beth Am. The
highlight was a private moment in which
one of the associate rabbis spoke with the
Bat Mitzvah before the open Arc, serenaded
by Cantor Buckdahl.
Among the many different services, I have
always enjoyed B’nai Mitzvah most of all.
Joanne and I have been blessed to celebrate
this rite of passage with Max and David.
The celebrations in the past month of
Lance Rombro and Asher Cordish are more
recent cases in point. What makes the B’nai
Mitzvah so appealing?
First, the service represents a rite of passage.
We watch the children grow up in the
sanctuary. They first appear wandering
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up and down the aisles on Shabbat, often
with a parent in hot pursuit. Then they
show up in the ad hoc Ein Keloheinu choir;
then, they lead Ashrei, and so on. We
observe each transition from childhood to
adolescence.
Second, we know that the Bar or Bat
Mitzvah have invested significant time, not
only to master the Torah service, but to
become an educated Jew. So, the service is a
type of graduation.
Third, each youth establishes a meaningful
relationship with his or her rabbi and
cantor. At Beth Am, they have studied
with Rabbi Burg, Rabbi Gludt and with
Cantor Greenstein. During the B’nai
Mitzvah weekend retreat, now a part of the
Congregation’s Shabbaton in November, the
clergy, children and families share the B’nai
Mitzvah learning process. During Max’s
year, about 10 families spent additional
time educating ourselves. For example, we
went together to see the brilliant parody of
LA’s Bar Mitzvah scene, Keeping Up With
the Steins, starring Jeremy Piven.
Finally, each Bar and Bat Mitvah at Beth
Am is a celebration in, for and of the
entire congregation. It is a celebration of
the congregation because the addition of
each well-prepared, new member signals
the continuation of our 3,000-year Jewish
tradition including the last 40 years as
Beth Am.
President cont’d on page 5.
President cont’d.
The moment in the Bar and Bat Mitzvah
that touches me most is the symbolic
passage of the torah, L’dor V’dor– from
generation to generation. It inspires
reflection about the love my four
grandparents invested in both of my parents
who passed it on to my brother and me so
that I could partner with Joanne to pass it
on to Max and David. Each Bar and Bat
Mitzvah family is privileged to share in a
similar rite of passage.
Rabbi cont’d
again, we hear neighbors express a desire
to get to know us. I have been immensely
proud to discover a thirst within our
membership for this kind of face-to-face
contact as well.
I wish to thank our IFO members and our
partners at BUILD for conducting our
initial training. During the month of Adar,
may we know the joy that comes from
truly getting to know our fellows, and the
wisdom one gains from seeing the world
from multiple perspectives.
Cantor cont’d
It is brilliant of our sages to incorporate,
as the FINAL paragraph of the Amida, a
return to personal prayer. But I find that
a fixed text is of limited value in getting
to the core of my own unique individual
feelings. It is the primary reason that we
at Beth Am provide open time for people
at the end of the Amida, waiting for nearly
everyone to complete, to allow others to
reflect in a near-silent room. Not that
everybody takes the opportunity to reflect,
but for those who do, I hope you are
successful in your own endeavors to add
meaning to your pause at the conclusion.
DEMOLITION
On February 17, 2014, Beth Am Synagogue
started the demolition of 932 and 934
Chauncey Avenue, the two buildings just
across the alley behind the synagogue
building. This work is the first phase of
a multi-year project which will include
renovations to the existing building and the
possibility of an addition in coming years.
These changes and improvements are a result
of a master plan created by the congregation
to accommodate its growing membership
and the need for more community gathering
space for use by both the congregation and
Reservoir Hill neighborhood groups.
Renovation and construction will not begin
for several years, but the buildings were in
extreme disrepair, presented safety hazards and
had become eyesores in the neighborhood.
Once the debris is cleared and fencing
completed, the lots will remain vacant until
plans and fundraising for the project are
complete.
“This demolition signifies a renewed
commitment to the neighborhood of
Reservoir Hill as we were deeply concerned
about the buildings’ appearance and the
safety issues they presented,” noted Scott
Zeger, President of Beth Am’s Board. “We are
excited about the possibilities for enhancing
our building and creating more space for
congregational and community gatherings.
As we continue to forge stronger ties with
our neighbors, we look forward to providing
a warm, welcoming and inviting place for us
all,” he added.
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CONGREGATIONAL LEARNING
Junior Congregation
Rabbi Kelley Gludt
Beth Am has a new player in its amazing
lineup of Shabbat prayer experiences: Junior
Congregation! Designed for elementary-age
children and led by our talented members
Charley and Megan Beller, this service
had a “soft” opening in February to rave
reviews. It meets at 11 am on the second
and fourth Saturdays of each month and
blends traditional-style davening with
child-friendly songs and age-appropriate
learning. Participants enjoy a mix of familiar
and new tunes and engage in the study of
parshat hashavuah (the weekly Torah portion).
Children help out by leading parts of the
service, including layning (reading) Torah.
This latest minyan has its own siddur geared
for this particular service, and the Bellers
create a warm, welcoming and peaceful
atmosphere. Truly, Junior Congregation has
become the perfect place for our children
ages five and up to have a meaningful prayer
experience at their synagogue.
Shabbat Yachad, the service originally created
and geared for younger members (toddlers and
preschoolers) continues to meet every Shabbat
except the first Saturday of the month. This
service combines familiar children’s Shabbat
songs with a sensory experience appropriate
for this age group’s developmental stage.
There is story time, a snack, and time to play,
allowing parents some much needed space to
relax and socialize. This service begins either
during the Torah service or, on days with a
Bar or Bat Mitzvah, immediately following
candy throwing at the conclusion of reading
the Haftarah.
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Shabbat Lab continues on the first Saturday of
the month. While this service is required for
all children enrolled in the Jewish Discovery
Lab, Day School friends are not only
welcomed but encouraged to attend. It offers
a mix of traditional and innovative davening
(praying), an opportunity for our students to
practice leading with grade level services, and
an upbeat musical repertoire by Dan, our very
own Shabbat song leader. This service begins
at 10:45 am.
There is a spot for everyone here at Beth Am,
either in age-targeted children’s services or the
main sanctuary. We aren’t particular about
ages or places; what we most want is for you
to come and spend Shabbat with us!
YOUTH SERVICES
New! Jr. Congregation
Second and fourth Saturday of the
month for elementary-aged children,
beginning at 11 am.
Shabbat Lab
First Saturday of every month for
children in kindergarten through fifth
grade in the Chapel, beginning at
10:45 am.
Shabbat Yachad
Every Saturday except the first Sat.
of the month for newborns to fourth
grade in the Chapel, begins before
Haftarah reading (unless there’s a
Bar or Bat Mitzvah, in which case it
begins after candy throwing).
SHABBAT 101 EXPERIENCE
Sharon Nathanson
Kudos to Beth Am’s Rabbi Kelley and
Chef Rob Gludt for an outstanding,
practical, and most informative Shabbat
101 experience. On Sunday, January 26,
about 25 seasoned, new, and future Beth
Am congregants gathered for
Chef Rob’s challah baking
and Rabbi Kelley’s discussion
on Sabbath prayers, rituals
and customs.
I knew we were in good
hands when Chef Rob
donned his professional chef
coat. He gave an absolutely
amazing presentation on
challah baking, providing not only the
basics but many tips and tricks to ensure
a delicious, tasty, crusty challah. There
was not a question he couldn’t answer.
Rabbi Kelley wowed the group with her
knowledge of every basic and enhanced
Shabbat ritual and prayer giving
participants many practices to incorporate
into their Friday Shabbat dinners. And
to encourage future opportunities to
demonstrate their new
knowledge, everyone
attending agreed to either
host a Shabbat dinner or
accept an invitation to
attend a Shabbat dinner
at a congregant’s home.
All those participating
left with new friendships,
a beautiful fragrant
self-made challah, some dough to bake at
home and a goody bag of recipes, copies
of the prayers and Cantor Ira’s Shabbat
CD—a foray in experiential Jewish
learning for adults.
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P
O
O
R
GS T
Reservoir Hill’s Daisy and Brownie Troop 10281
thank Beth Am Synagogue for their continued support!
Troop 10281:
building girls
of courage,
confidence, and
character who
make the world a
better place!
Girl Scout Shabbat
will be hosted on
March 15.
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MARCH
12 noon - 2:00 pm - Join the Burg family at an Open
House following the Purim Carnival!
Burg Family Open House
Sunday, March 16
8:30 am - Minyan
including traditional Megillah Reading.
10 am - Family Megillah Reading
with singing
10:30 am - 12 pm - CARNIVAL!!!
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 16
7:30 pm - Potluck dessert (bring dairy or pareve)
8:00 pm - Ma’ariv & Megillah Reading
with a series of cameo appearances.
Megillah Reading
Saturday, March 15
PURIM WEEKEND
2014
ADAR II
For space availability: please contact Nakia
410.523.2446 or nakia@bethambaltimore.org
Adults - $18 | Children 6-12 yrs. - $12
Household maximum - $64
Children 6 and under are free!
7 pm - Chicken dinner with vegetarian option
to follow services
Please join Rabbi Daniel Burg, Cantor Ira Greenstein
and guest musicians for a Musical Kabbalat Shabbat.
Open to the community!
Musical Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, March 7
6 pm - services
KLEI KODESH
5774
8
3
Rosh Chodesh
10
17
24
31
9
Daylight Savings Time Begins
9:30 am - Minyan
9:30 am - Jewish Discovery
Lab
16 - PURIM
8:30 am - Minyan with Megillah reading
9 am - Our Daily Bread
10 am - Family Megillah Reading
10:30 am Purim Carnival
12 pm - Rabbis Burg Open
House
23
9 am - Our Daily Bread
9:30 am - Minyan
Lab
30
9:30 am - Minyan
Lab
Monday
2
Rosh Chodesh
USY - Teen Beit Midrash
9:30 am - Minyan with Learning Minyan
No Jewish Discovery Lab
Sunday
25
12 pm - Lunch and
Learn
18
11
12 pm - Lunch and
Learn
4
Tuesday
26
4:15 pm - Jewish
Discovery Lab
19
4:15 pm - Jewish
Discovery Lab
12
4:15 pm - Jewish
Discovery Lab
5
4:15 pm - Jewish
Discovery Lab
Wednesday
27
20
9 am - Our Daily
Bread
13
6
Thursday
28
7:10 pm - Candle
lighting
21
7:03 pm - Candle
lighting
14
6:56 pm - Candle
lighting
6:30 pm - BAYITT
Congregational Services and dinner
7
5:49 pm - Candle
lighting
6 pm - Klei Kodesh Musical Shabbat
Friday
29 - 8:45 am - Torah Study
9:30 am - Sanct. Services with
Toby Berman Bat Mitzvah
10:45 am - Shabbat Yachad
22
8:45 am - Torah Study
9:30 am - Sanct. Services with
David Wittenberg Bar Mitzvah
11 am - Jr. Congregation
15 - 8:45 am - Torah Study
9:30 am - Girl Scout Shabbat Kesher Services
7:30 pm - Potluck Dessert
8 pm - Megillah Reading /
Entertainment
8
9:30 am - Kesher Services
1
9:30 am - Sanct. Services
10:45 am - Shabbat Lab
8 pm - Eutaw Place
Saturday
Karin Batterton’s Office
Coldwell Banker
Village of Cross Keys
38 Village Square
Baltimore, MD 21210
March 25 - Current Middle
East Situation (RDB)
April 29 - Why do we believe
in God? (RKG)
APRIL
Richard Rosenthal’s Office
Tydings & Rosenberg, LLP
100 E Pratt, 26th floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
March 11 - Current Middle
East Situation (RDB)
April 8 - Why do we believe in
God? (RKG)
All are welcome, please bring a fish/dairy lunch.
Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg will lead during the months of Mar,
and May. Rabbi Kelley Gludt will lead during April.
Learn through Hot Topics Using Traditional & Modern Texts
Tuesdays, Noon - 1 pm - dates below
2014
NISSAN
Please contact Meg Hyman ASAP to let her know what you will
be making. meghyman@aol.com
Once a month, in preparation for
our Sanctuary Shabbatot, we ask
you to put your culinary skills to
work by sharing a recipe that no
one will be able to resist with the
congregation. You can use your own
recipe or use one on our website. Your
delectable donation will help Beth Am
live up to its motto“Feels like Home.”
What are you waiting for?
Get cooking!
Join the “Kiddush Krew” and help
make our kiddush buffet enticing
and delicious!
Our next Sanctuary
Services will be April 5
SANCTUARY SERVICE
5774
10
7
14
Erev Passover
First Seder
7:30 am- Siyyum
B’chorim / Services
for the First Born w/
light breakfast
21
7th Day Passover
9:30 am- Services
28
Yom HaShoah
13
9:30 am- Minyan
NO Jewish Discovery Lab
20
Passover
9 am- Our Daily Bread
9:30 am- Minyan
27
9 am- Our Daily Bread
9:30 am- Minyan
9:30 am- Jewish Discovery Lab
Monday
6
9:30 am - Minyan with Learning Minyan
USY & Kadima King’s Dominion Day
Sunday
29
12 pm - Lunch and
Learn
22
8th Day Passover
Yizkor
9:30 am- Services with Yizkor &
Memorial Plaque
dedication
Beth Am Office
Closed
15
1st Day Passover
Second Seder
9:30 am- Services
Beth Am Office
Closed
8
12 pm - Lunch and
Learn
1
Rosh Chodesh
Tuesday
30
Rosh Chodesh
4:15 pm- Jewish
Discovery Lab
23
4:15 pm- Jewish
Discovery Lab
16
2nd Day Passover
9:30 am- Services
Beth Am Office
Closed
NO Jewish Disvoery
Lab
9
4:15 pm- Jewish
Discovery Lab
2
4:15 pm- Jewish
Discovery Lab
Wednesday
24
17
Passover
10
3
Thursday
25
7:29 pm- Candle
lighting
18
Passover
7:25 pm- Candle
lighting
11
7:22 pm- Candle
lighting
6:30 pm- BAYITT
Congregational Services and dinner
4
7:15 pm- Candle
lighting
5:45 pm- Got
Shabbat
Friday
26
8:45 am- Torah Study
9:30 am- Sanct. Serv. with
Zachary Stern’s Bar Mitzvah
19
Chol Hamoed Passover
9:30 am- Kesher Services
10:45 am- Shabbat Yachad
12:45 pm- People’s Talmud
with Fred Katz
12
9:30 am- Sanct. Serv. with
Galya Seidel’s Bat Mitzvah
10:45 am- Shabbat Yachad
11 am- Jr. Congregation
5
9:30 am- Sanct. Services
10:45 am- Shabbat Lab
8 pm- Eutaw Place
Saturday
IN, FOR AND OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD
UPDATE
Lisa Akchin and Maggi Gaines
SAVE THE DATE
Talk by Author Wes Moore
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Wes Moore, author of the nationally
acclaimed book The Other Wes Moore,
will speak at Beth Am on June 7.
Welcoming Author Wes Moore to
Reservoir Hill
One of the best outcomes of The
Afro-Semitic Experience Concert held at
Beth Am in January is that all partners
in planning that event – Beth Am, Child
First Authority, John Eager Howard
Elementary, New Lens, and Reservoir
Hill Improvement Council -- have
agreed to work together on another
community-wide event this spring: a
program with Baltimore author Wes
Moore that will get our neighborhood
talking about his book, The Other Wes
Moore: One Name, Two Fates. If you
would like to work with other Beth Am
congregants and Reservoir Hill neighbors
in planning this event, please contact Lisa
Akchin, akchin@umbc.edu
Designing a Community School
As plans for major renovation or
rebuilding of John Eager Howard
Elementary School move forward,
leaders of neighborhood organizations
in Reservoir Hill are coming together to
ensure that the school redesign maximizes
community connections and reflects
the values of parents, teachers, students,
neighbors, and partners in Reservoir
Hill. Beth Am is represented in this
process by Don Akchin, Cindy Paradies,
and Carol Shulman. On January 31,
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the synagogue hosted a gathering of
neighborhood organizations committed
to collaborating to create a school where
all in the community will come to learn
and will feel at home. Participating
organizations included: Beth Am, Child
First Authority, the DRU Judy Center,
John Eager Howard Elementary, Metro
Delta Head Start, New Lens, Reservoir
Hill House of Peace, Reservoir Hill
Improvement Council and Whitelock
Farm.
Moving Forward
In, For and Of (IFO) is using a range
of opportunities to figure out how to
truly be of, in and for the community.
Concerts, events, and building and
deepening relationships are key tools.
A special thank you to the brave group of
In, For and Of (IFO) team members who
have embarked on stage one of a fabulous
adventure: getting to know our Beth
Am-ers far better than we do already!!
On Monday evening, February 3 Ojeda
Hall, lead organizer for BUILD, shared
with an initial IFO team, perspective
and tools to use as we get to know each
other. Our goal is to talk to at least 100
congregants before Passover.
We will keep reaching into Beth Am
and building relationships and, in the
Spring, begin to reach into the Reservoir
Hill community to get to know our
neighbors.
Don’t be surprised if you get a call, and if
you don’t and want to connect, send an
email to Maggi Gaines at gaines.maggi@
gmail.com and it will happen.
SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Social Action Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 pm
Location: Jackie Donowitz’s home
We address issues relating to poverty, homelessness, domestic violence,
environmental sustainability, literacy and more, in the Reservoir Hill community
and beyond. Open to all!
For directions or more information please contact Jackie Donowitz:
jemdonowitz@hotmail.com or 410.235.5761
Many thanks to all the wonderful Beth Am congregants who
donated their “old” cell phones to Chana.
Chana will erase the phone contents and give them to clients in emergency
situations. Once again, our thanks for your participation!
SUNDAY MORNING MINYAN
Do a Mitzvah - Make a Quorum!
Every Sunday - 9:30 am
Beth Am Chapel
The Sunday of the first full weekend of the
month will include a bonus Learning Minyan.
Breakfast to follow.
Your Mitzvah Minyan - To help make a quorum
each week, we are asking each Beth Am member to attend minyan at least
once a year, the week of your birthday.
BAYITT
Help ensure we have a quorum! Sign up online - www.tiny.cc/pqtubx
BAYITT
Beth Am Young Adult Initiative
for Twenties and Thirties
What: Congregational Services and BAYITT Dinner - $12
When: Friday, March 14 at 6:30 pm
Where: Beth Am Synagogue
March 14 will be a special Vashti’s Banquet; a Persian
themed Shabbat dinner in honor of the holiday of Purim.
Sign up at: bayitt.org
13
PASSOVER
SCHEDULE
SALE OF HAMETZ
Monday, April 14
Erev Passover - First Seder
7:30 am - Siyyum B’chorim
Services for the First Born with
light breakfast
Beth Am Office Closed
Tuesday, April 15
1st Day Passover - Second Seder
9:30 am - Services
A donation to the Rabbi’s
Discretionary Fund for the sale of
hametz is appreciated. Form is due,
no later than 3 pm, Friday, April 11.
Wed, April 16
2nd Day Passover
9:30 am- Services
Mail to:
Beth Am, 2501 Eutaw Place
Baltimore, MD 21217
Saturday, April 19
Chol Hamoed Passover
9:30 am - Services
Fax to: 410-523-1729
Monday, April 21
7th Day Passover
9:30 am - Services
I hereby authorize Rabbi Daniel
Cotzin Burg to effect the sale of any
and all hametz that I may have in my
possession, in my home, at my place
of business, or any other property that
I own or control, as of 12 noon on
Monday, April 14.
Tuesday, April 22
8th Day Passover - Yizkor
9:30 am - Services with Yizkor &
Memorial Plaque Dedication
________________________________
Signature
Date
________________________________
Printed Name
Below is any address, (other than
home), which is in my control and
contains hametz:
__________________________________
__________________________________
Your hametz is available to you at
9:35 pm on Tuesday, April 22 an hour
after Pesah concludes.
14
THE SHUKAN
STORE
Remember:
The Shukan store is available for your
Purim and Passover purchases.
Hours:
Sundays from 10 am – 12:30 pm
during Jewish Discovery Lab.
To purchase, by special appointment,
please call Marcia Amith at
410.433.5582
PLACE
MUSIC
2013-14
EUTAW
{at beth am}
$25
beer.
wine.
coffee.
tea.
homemade
cookies.
tix & info:
2ND ANNIVERSARY CONCERT & RAVEN BEER TASTING
apr. 5 8 pm: brendan james
doors open at 7:15 pm
A Derry, NH native, Brendan James has had his songs
featured in television shows such as Private Practice,
American Idol, Bones, So You Think You Can Dance, Army
Wives, and One Tree Hill. His first three albums climbed
the iTunes Top 10 pop charts —his second album, Brendan
James, climbed to #1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter
charts. He’s toured the country nine times and played
alongside such diverse artists as John Mayer, Paula Cole,
Keb Mo, Parachute, and Green River Ordinance. The
Kickstarter campaign for his latest album, Simplify, netted
nearly double its projected goal. And in May of 2013, James
had the honor of giving a TED talk, in which he spoke of the
importance of consciousness in his art. “Simplify
represents me finding a clarity I have been searching for for
years,” says James of his new album. His fifth album, it is
also his most elegant and emotionally direct album to date.
An active supporter for all levels of equality (he has spoken
out for Marriage Equality and is considered a “straight
ally”) and a supporter for the men and women in the
military (he’s performed for the USO and troops), his
advocacy is well-known and widespread. Larry Flick,
influential host of Sirius XM’s OUTQ, says, “The
remarkable thing about Brendan is that he is an active,
creative citizen of the world.
410-484-9110
EUTAWPLACE.ORG
15
JANUARY 2013
CONTRIBUTIONS
Accessability Fund
• Erica & Lou Jacobs - in memory of
Blanche Feller, mother of Henry Feller
and grandmother of Eliza Feller
Adult Education Fund
• Lynn Sassin & Nathan Braverman - in
memory of John Freeman, husband of
Elaine Freeman
• Irma Weinstein - in memory of
Seymour Kramer, her father, on his
yahrzeit
Building Preservation and Ritual
Enhancement Fund
• Nan, Sharon & Michael Birnbaum - in
memory of Blanche Feller, mother of
Henry Feller and Richard Feller
• Jean & Ron Brandwein - in memory of
• Shirley Braverman - in memory of
Blanche Feller, mother of Henry Feller;
in honor of Mr. & Mrs Joshua Hann,
on the birth of Sophia Renee Hann
• Alex Carter - in honor of Debbie &
Efrem Potts
• Deb Finkelstein - in memory of
• Rosellen & BobFleishman - in
Henry Feller
• Julie & Bill Frein - in memory of
• MurielFriedman - in memory of
• Sue Gurland and Mark Wasserman - in
Henry Feller
16
• Roz & Nelson Hyman - in honor
of Karen Egorin & Martin Yaker’s
marriage;
in memory of Blanche Feller, mother
of Henry Feller and grandmother of
Eliza Feller
• Marcia & Robert Kargon- in memory
of Blanche Feller, mother of Henry
Feller
• Liliane & Joe Katz - in memory of Inez
Kargon, mother of Robert Kargon
• Molly & Bill Koch - in memory of
• Lois & Alan Kopolow - in memory of
Alvin Abrams, stepfather of Sheila
LeMel;
of Henry Feller
• Sheila & Steve LeMel - in memory of
• Judy Miller - in memory of Alvin
Abrams, stepfather of Sheila LeMel;
Eliza Feller
• Liz Moser - in memory of Martin Kohn,
her father, on his yahrzeit;
Eliza Feller
• Carol & David Shulman - in memory of
• Elaine & Norm Weinstein - in memory
of Blanche Feller, mother of Henry
Feller;
in memory of Howard Fink
• Sybil & HerbertWhite- in memory of
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund
• Elaine Freeman - in appreciation
• Judy Miller - in memory of Myra Land,
her friend, on her yahrzeit
Etta & Louis L. Kaplan
Education Fund
• Nancy & Richard Bloom - in honor of
Harriet Miller;
in honor of Lucy Demsky;
in honor of Warren McFarlane
General Fund
• Hillary & Jim Jacobs - in honor of Lisa
Stern & Bob Rombro on Lance’s Bar
Mitzvah;
in memory of Jacob Tellerman, father
of Ken Tellerman;
in memory of John Freeman, husband
of Elaine Freeman;
of Henry Feller
• Miriam Tillman - in memory of John
Freeman, husband of Elaine Freeman;
of Henry Feller
Kiddush Fund
• Shirley Braverman - in memory of
Nathan Goldman, her father, on his
yahrzeit
• Phyllis Gerber - in memory of Blanche
Feller, mother of Henry Feller;
in memory of Mitchell Gerber, her
husband, on his yahrzeit
• Sarajane Greenfeld - in memory of
• Robin & Jason Katcoff - in
appreciation of chanting Maftir
• Sheila & Steve LeMel - in appreciation
of the congregants, clergy and staff
of Beth Am
• Harriet Miller - in memory of Alvin
Abrams, stepfather of Sheila LeMel;
in memory of John Freeman, husband
of Elaine Freeman
• Abby & CharlesRammelkamp - in
memory of Alvin Abrams, stepfather
of Sheila LeMel
• Jim Schwartz - in memory of Alvin
Abrams, stepfather of Sheila LeMel
Prayer Book Fund
• Winnie & Neal Borden - (Humash) in
memory of Edith Borden, his mother,
on her yahrzeit
• Stuart Fine - (2 Mahzorim) in memory
of Gussie Fine, his mother, on her
yahrzeit
• Brenda & Irwin Nudelman - in honor
of Sol Snyder on his birthday
• Eileen Yoffee - in memory of Myrna
Steedman, mother of Linda Small
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
• Judy & Bob Bregman - in honor of
Billy Kahn on his recovery
• Harriet & Herbert Goldman - in
memory of John Freeman, husband of
Elaine Freeman
• Dovey & Billy Kahn - in honor of
Melissa & Jonathan Cordish, on
Asher’s Bar Mitzvah;
of Henry Feller
• Lainy LeBow-Sachs & Leonard Sachs
of Henry Feller
• Andree Levys - in memory of Isaac
Levys, her husband, on his yahrzeit
• Judy Miller - in memory of John
Freeman, husband of Elaine Freeman
• Ellen & Susan Pats - in memory of
Morris Pats, his father, on his yahrzeit
• Lisa Shulman & Family - in memory of
William Weiner, her husband, on his
yahrzeit
• Debbie & Harvey Singer - in memory
of John Freeman, husband of Elaine
Freeman
Contributions cont’d on page 18
17
Contributions cont’d
Social Action Fund
• Lisa & Don Akchin - in memory of
Alvin Abrams, stepfather of Sheila
LeMel;
of Henry Feller;
in hopes of Alan Pressman’s continued
recovery
• Elisa & Jason Frost - in memory of
Marilyn Shorr, her grandmother, on
her yahrzeit
• Betsy & George Hess - in memory
of John Freeman, husband of Elaine
Freeman
• Jo-Ann Orlinsky - in memory of Esther
Levin, wife of Sidney Levin and sisterin-law of Frances Rubenstein;
in hopes of Alan Pressman’s continued
recovery;
in memory of Myrna Steedman,
mother of Linda Small;
in honor of Nancy & Richard Bloom,
on their 50th anniversary
• Ellen Patz and Susan Patz - in memory
of Eleanor Levy, her mother & her
grandmother
• Abby & Charles Rammelkamp - in
Henry Feller
Youth & Teen Education Fund
• Alyson Bonavoglia & George
Wittenberg - in memory of Myrna
Steedman, mother of Linda Small
KIDDUSH LUNCHEON
AND BIMAH FLOWERS
Sponsorships and Donations:
• February 1 - The Kiddush luncheon.
was sponsored by the Youth
Education Committee and Jewish
Discovery Lab
• February 8 - The flowers on the
Bimah were in memory of Galina
Ginzburg, Ariel Goldberg’s great
grandmother;
The Kiddush luncheon was
sponsored by Cathy Wolkow & Ilya
Goldberg in honor of Ariel’s Bat
Mitzvah.
• February 22 - The Kiddush luncheon
was sponsored by the Becker family
in memory of Rose & Louis Becker,
Leah & Isadore Greenberg, Nance
& Nathaniel Gamse and Bernice &
Joseph Goldenberg;
The flowers on the Bimah were
in memory of Cara Becker, Rose
Becker’s cousin.
SPRING
CLOTHES DRIVE
MARCH 4 - APRIL 3
Women’s and Men’s Professional
clothing can be dropped off at
Beth Am.
Please donate business attire and
accessories that have already been
cleaned, are on hangers and ready
to wear. Women’s clothing will be
donated to Suited to Succeed and
men’s clothing will be donated to
Our Daily Bread.
18
COMMUNITY NEWS
BETH AM:
A VERY SPECIAL COMMUNITY
Henry Feller
Over the last few months the Beth Am community has reached
out in support of Ashley and Alan Pressman during Alan's
recovery from his recent accident. Meals, rides, babysitting, and
more certainly made a difficult time much easier; and having
Alan bench gomel at Sanctuary Services a few weeks ago was
heartwarming.
Beth Am’s lay leadership, clergy, staff, and many members
provided their support, expressions of concern during my
mother's illness, and sympathy after her death. As Rabbi Burg
stated at the shiva/memorial service, all I had to do was look out
at the many faces to see the support of "our community." I was
very touched.
Just over a week later our community
came together to mourn the sudden
loss of Howard Fink. Howard was
ever-present at Beth Am. He was at
Torah Study and Shabbat services
almost every week. If there was an
event, he was behind the camera
(actually at least three) and uploading
pictures to Beth Am the next day. We
have since found out that he often
did the same for the University of
Baltimore and a number of local nonprofits. Without immediate family, Beth Am became family - in
our loss we remembered him at a special memorial service and
Rabbi Burg has arranged for a number of us to say Kaddish for
Howard over the course of the year.
These are but three recent situations where Beth Am has shone
and we can all be proud.
Thank You ALL,
B'vracha,
Henry
Community News cont’d on page 20
19
Community News cont’d
MAZEL TOV
• Roberta & Cantor Ira Greenstein on
the article, What is Your Next Move,
in the Jewish Times, written by our
very own Ellen Spokes.
• Nina & Jason Levy on the birth of
their daughter, Temper Sophia.
Grandparents are Eileen & Steve
Koenigsberg.
• Mark Carp on his book review in the
Jewish Times.
NEW MEMBERS
Yarden Fraiman
Mimi Kapiloff
Andrea & Jacob Kasper
Andrea Krupp & Bruce Mandel
Joan & Stuart Schoenfeld
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
• to Aaron Sherber for
functioning as our
volunteer webmaster
for so many years.
We have recently
transitioned to a CMS
(content management
system) which will now
be managed by staff
member, Valerie Tracy.
• to Sarajane Greenfeld
and Betty Seidel for
their continued support
proofreading for
Beth Am!
20
70+ BIRTHDAYS
David Fishman
9-Mar
Muriel Friedman
12-Mar
Lois Macht
12-Mar
Fred Barron
14-Mar
Rodney Klein
14-Mar
Ave Amith
16-Mar
Norm Weinstein
17-Mar
Hal Dwin22-Mar
Stuart Fine
22-Mar
Bob Hillman
23-Mar
Stan Rodbell
23-Mar
David Goldstein
24-Mar
John Singer
24-Mar
Laurie Glassner
26-Mar
Nancy Kohn Rabin
27-Mar
Roger Garfink
28-Mar
Liliane Katz
29-Mar
Ron Shapiro
29-Mar
Gershon Efron
30-Mar
Buzzy Hettleman
30-Mar
Gladys Arak Freedman
31-Mar
PEOPLE’S TALMUD
People’s Talmud presenter:
Fred Katz
April 19
Held after Kiddush lunch several
times during the year, congregants
share their personal interpretation
of what Judaism means to them
and how they integrate Judaism
into their daily lives.
If you would like to give a People’s
Talmud presentation sometime
in the future, or if you would like
to take part in developing the
program further, please contact
Fred Katz: 410-366-4761.
RECENT DEATHS
• Harriett Levy, grandmother of Brian Whippo (Monica)
• Nathan Gerber, brother-in-law of Phyllis Gerber
• Emeline Kroiz, wife of Stanley Kroiz, and aunt of Gabriel (Mina Cheon), Shana
(Ed Seidel), and Reuben (Mattie)
• Beatrice Kalt, grandmother of David Aldouby (Heather Ashbury)
• Howard Fink, Beth Am congregant
• Esther Levin, wife of Sidney Levin and sister-in-law of Frances Rubenstein
PRAYERS FOR HEALING
Linda Nachimson, friend of Gail and Lou Wohlmuth
Harriet Estis (Len)
Alan Pressman (Ashley)
Judy Langenthal (Hersch)
Roy Hoffberger, friend of Debra Furchgott
Robert Gerard, nephew of Hilda Coyne
Mike Steedman, brother of Linda Small
Nancy Holder
Harry Adler, friend of Roberta and Cantor Ira Greenstein
Burt D’Lugoff
Ofra Shipman, cousin of Roberta Greenstein (Cantor Ira Greenstein)
Harry Rossen
Donald Allen, father of Lisa Minick (Chris)
Norma Gaines, grandmother of Emily Gaines Demsky (David)
Steven Kraft, brother of Jim Kraft (Kristi Aho)
Jerald Lipsch, brother of Harriet Goldman (Herb)
Cyndi Lee Haaz, mother of Stephany Moonaz (Robert)
Robin Leidner & Sue Martin, friends of Amy Davidoff & Steve Gore
Alan Gross
Robert Katz, father of Joanne Katz (Scott Zeger)
Hilda Coyne
Vickie Dorf
Fran Kanterman
Steven Eisenberg, friend of Les Stellman
21
      
 
       
   
From every person whose heart
is willing take my offering...and
make Me a holy space that I
may dwell among them.
- Exodus 25
Shabbat Services, Lifecycle Events, Services in the Park, Community Involvement, Adult Education, Lights, Rabbi, Heat, Prayerbooks, Air Conditioning, Cantor, Landscaping, Educational Progr ams ,
Dinners,
Congregants have already given over
Craft Supplies, Coffee,
Water and
E l e c t r i c i t y,
$327,000 to provide all the little and
Sanctuary
Upkeep, Kiddush Lunch not-so-little things that keep our community Plates, Paper
Te a c h e r s ,
Scholarships
flourishing from one year to the next.
Postage,
Support Staff,
Please give generously
High Holyday Preparation, Grape
Juice, Repairto Beth Am’s Annual Fund!
men, Paint,
Maintenance
Staff, Pens, Advertising, Catoring, Torah Upkeep, Kids’ Torahs, Lunch & Learn, Klei Kodesh / Musical Shabbat, Musician in Residence, Sound system, Tallitot, Scholar in Residence, Security, Bagels
22
Accessibility Fund (1431) - Used to
make the facility accessible to those with
impaired physical abilities
FUND DESIGNATION
General Fund (1430) - Applied to the
operating budget of the congregation
Adult Education Fund (1481) - Supports
educational programs for all adults
I. William Schimmel Student Scholarship
Fund (1461) - Assists students in their
educational pursuits
BAYITT Fund (1414) - Beth Am’s Young
Adult Initiative for 20’s and 30’s
Kiddush Fund (1441) - Used for luncheons
following Sabbath and holiday services
Building Preservation and Ritual
Enhancement Fund (1426) - Supports
the preservation and renovation of the
building and the ritual items
Prayer Book Fund (1436) - Supports the
purchase of prayer books and dedication
prayer books
Cantor’s Discretionary Fund (1405)
Allows the Cantor to support special
programs and individuals in need
Etta & Louis L. Kaplan Education
Fund (1451) - Supports the purchase
of furniture, equipment and capital
improvements for the Jewish Discovery
Lab
Floral Fund (1435) - Beautifies the Bimah
Garden Fund (1466) - Beautifies grounds
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund (1403) Allows the Rabbi to support special
programs and individuals in need
Social Action Fund (1471) - Supports
social action activities in the Reservoir Hill
area and the general community
Tiny Tots Shabbat Fund (1408) - Supports
Shabbat programs for our preschoolers
Youth & Teen Education Support Fund
(1476) - Supports educational programs
for all of Beth Am’s youth
ACKNOWLEDGE THE OCCASION THROUGH BETH AM
We encourage all congregants to send their contribution requests directly to Nakia Davis,
nakia@bethambaltimore.org so they can be processed in a timely manner.
First & Last Name(s): _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
If your contribution is from a couple or family, please list all names
(use additional paper if necessary)
Telephone: (________) __________ - ___________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ____________________________________________________________________
Date: _______________________________ Amount of Donation: __________________________
($10 minimum requested; please make checks payable to Beth Am)
Fund Designation__________________________________________________________________
In honor/memory/appreciation of ___________________________________________________
Send Acknowledgement Card To:
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________________________
23
© 2014 Beth Am Synagogue
Beth Am Synagogue is a member
of the United Synagogue of
Conservative Judaism.
Look for the USCJ on-line at:
www.uscj.org.
2501 Eutaw Place
Baltimore, MD 21217

March 2014 - Beth Am Synagogue

Transcription

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